INDIANAPOLIS — The 2011 NFL Scouting Combine is flying by. Four days are now in the books, with just two days left on the field to get a look at the defensive players. That starts on Monday with defensive linemen and linebackers.

But the highlight of the combine for many is Day 4, when the skill position players take the field. Since the lights are still on at Lucas Oil Stadium, let’s take a look back at what we saw, learned and heard on Sunday:

• We have to start with Auburn QB Cam Newton, who got mixed reviews for a workout that he later admitted left him “somewhat frustrated.”

• Several of our analysts handed out higher praise for the workouts by QBs Jake Locker and Ryan Mallett.

• Georgia WR A.J. Green, the consensus top receiver in the draft, said after the workouts he was impressed by Locker.

• Alabama WR Julio Jones did very well for himself in several tests and ran faster than some might have expected. We have to wonder if Jones makes it past the Rams at No. 14.

• Oregon State DT Stephen Paea absolutely crushed the Combine bench-press mark, and then left his mark on the media center by performing a Tongan haka.

• “The Wonderlic” might be the only thing from 1937 we still use today.

• The marquee running back in this year’s draft class — Alabama’s Mark Ingram – ran a 4.62 40, which didn’t really seem to surprise anyone.

• Virginia Tech’s Tyrod Taylor was officially the fastest QB at the Combine.

• Auburn DT Nick Fairley was asked by reporters about his work ethic: “I don’t think I took plays off. I think I play the game as it should be played. I play with a high motor.”

• Wide receivers Edmond Gates of Abilene Christian and Ricardo Lockette of Fort Valley State blazed official 40 times of 4.37. Gates managed to do it despite a lingering groin injury.

• No surprise here: The part of Combine prospects dread the most is the medical testing.

• Keep an eye out for Kentucky WR Randall Cobb, who ran faster than most expected.

Posted in: Combine  | comments  |